Russia creates ministry for Crimean affairs

Moscow, March 31 (IANS) Russian Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev Monday said Russia would launch a new ministry for the newly-absorbed regions of Crimea and Sevastopol.

Moscow, March 31 (IANS) Russian Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev Monday said Russia would launch a new ministry for the newly-absorbed regions of Crimea and Sevastopol.

"I believe it is feasible to form a separate federal body with the executive branch of the government in dealing with the issues of Crimea and Sevastopol," Medvedev said at a top-level government meeting in the Crimean capital Simferopol.

Medvedev was the first Russian leader to visit Crimea since the Black Sea peninsula became part of Russia March 18.

"Development of the Republic of Crimea and the city of Sevastopol has become our state priority. The task will require significant efforts," Medvedev said, adding that President Vladimir Putin had signed two decrees on formation of the Ministry for Crimean Affairs.

Oleg Savelyev, 48, former deputy minister of the Russian Economic Development Ministry, will head the new ministry, Xinhua reported citing Medvedev.

Medvedev instructed Dmitry Kozak, deputy prime minister in charge of Crimea, and Savelyev to prepare proposals regarding the federal target programme for the development of the regions by July 1.

The Russian leader also demanded Russian law enforcement agencies be established in the peninsula as soon as possible "to provide law and order, and counter aggressive nationalists and extremists actions".

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